After Arsenal v Sporting, Rui Borges on derby: Benfica fresher | OneFootball

Sporting went down fighting in the Champions League, drawing against Arsenal, but it was the English side who progressed, thanks to their narrow win in Alvalade (1-0). At the press conference in London, Rui Borges was asked whether the changes made were with the derby in mind, and the coach admitted that Benfica go into the match in better condition.

"In both games we were very ambitious, and Sporting had the best chances. That shows our collective and individual ambition and quality," began the coach from Mirandela, as he analyzed the match, before turning his attention to their rivals, whom they will host at Alvalade on April 19.

"Ambition was never lacking, quite the opposite. We are playing in the Champions League. As for what lies ahead, now we will think about the next one, which is Benfica. We need to recover, breathe, and think about that calmly," added Rui Borges, making a few remarks about the team in red just days before the derby in round 30 of the league.

"We understand that Benfica are fresher because they play once a week, but with our spirit and ambition, at our home, with our fans..." added Rui Borges, noting that the team in red had a long gap between the two matches, since they are only playing in the league.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.